This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Arrest referral scheme
04/10/2004
A new Arrest Referral Scheme, an Executive-funded
initiative which encourages offending drug addicts to get
treatment for their addiction before appearing in court,
was launched today in Glasgow.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said it was intended
to provide a pathway for drug addicts away from crime to
improve lives and make communities safer.
Ms Jamieson said:
"Drugs misuse and drug-related crime affect individuals
and communities across Scotland. That is why it makes sense
to look at how best we reduce drug-related offending.
"For those whose crimes are serious enough for a
custodial sentence to be considered, we have made Drug
Treatment and Testing Orders available to courts across
Scotland - a disposal which makes offenders undertake
treatment and agree to regular, random drug tests
throughout the Order.
"But there is also a strong case for making treatment
available for minor offenders, or those offenders early on
in their offending careers.
"Arrest referral is an additional intervention
opportunity - an opportunity to get offenders into
treatment earlier and quicker, and an opportunity to reduce
their offending.
"Evidence shows that such early intervention is likely
to reduce the possibility of reoffending and therefore the
impact on local communities.
"And evidence shows that for every pound spent on
treatment, we save three pounds on the cost of enforcement
further down the line. So these are smart options.
"Last year we announced investment in arrest referral
schemes across Scotland and I am pleased to see and hear
how the pilot scheme in Glasgow is operating.
"The scheme's success will be testament to the
importance of effective multi-agency working. Here in
Glasgow we have the full commitment and involvement of all
the necessary agencies, the police, social work services,
courts and treatment providers.
"Efficient and effective justice is not just about
punishing criminals. It is about providing people with
routes out of crime. The Glasgow scheme alone expects to
deal with around 1,000 individuals a year - the potential
to turn around many lives, help break the link between
drugs and crime, and help deliver a safer, stronger
Scotland."
Arrest referral provides an opportunity for arrestees to
volunteer for or be referred to drug treatment and other
appropriate services with a view to reducing their
offending behaviour.
The arrest referral process usually takes place in
police cells and is aimed primarily at those whose
offending may be linked to substance misuse.
It has no formal link with the due process of law - it
is a pathway into services from a justice setting and is
entirely voluntary on the part of the offender.
The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act gives the Executive
a specific power to fund arrest referral schemes under the
ringfenced funding arrangements for criminal justice social
work.
Last October the Executive announced the distribution of
more than £1 million over two years for arrest referral
schemes.
The Glasgow scheme will target adults with alcohol and
drug dependency and will offer first line assessment,
information, advice, and links to other services within the
East Glasgow area.
Drug Treatment and Testing Orders are a high tariff
disposal available to the High Court and sheriff courts as
an alternative to custody.
The order contains features unique to community
disposal, including a requirement for regular reviews by
the court to enable sentencers to monitor progress and a
requirement that the offender consent to regular, random
drug tests throughout the Order.
The order is currently available to courts covering 70
per cent of the population, but Executive has provided
funding for national roll out of Drug Treatment and Testing
Orders by mid-2005.